Choosing the new colours for S/S19

« Previous Article

South Beach pastels, zingy yellows, antique pinks, elegant icy blues – this week we’ve been mulling over the mood boards and poring over the Pantone books to come up with the hot new colours you’ll be wearing from Kettlewell a year from now (if only we could put an order in for the same weather while we’re at it…).

With literally hundreds of colours to choose from in the Pantone guide – and, let’s not forget, over 160 different colours already available in the Kettlewell library – honing in on over 40 new shades is no five-minute job. It’s a bit like being a kid in a candy store with dozens and dozens of gorgeous hues just jumping out at you from all angles. Even for a colour fanatic like me, it can be a little head-spinning at times.

That’s where the mood boards come in – visual inspiration boards put together by our designer, Sarah, that bring together the key fashion trends and colours for S/S19 to provide a starting point from which to work from. Then it’s a case of going through each of the seasonal palettes and picking out a dozen or so new colours from the Pantone books – whether it’s a punchy new orange for Autumns, say; or a fresh new apple green for Springs.

For each collection we aim to give each of our customers as much choice as possible across their seasonal palettes – a host of great new shades they won’t find every day on the high street. That’s what makes us stand out from other fashion brands and why customers return to us season after season. We love hearing what you think of our colours, and if there are any that you would especially like to see in the S/S19 collection, do get in touch on social media or in the comments below to let us know. A certain shade of blue, for example, that you’d like to see in a dress for a friend’s wedding or work top; a variation on a yellow for that perfect sunshine tee to slip into next summer’s suitcase. Everyone has their favourite shades and we’d love to see if we can help bring them to life!

laska on Oct 14, 2023 10:28 AM

thanks for sharing

Elizabeth on Feb 05, 2019 7:49 AM

I love being able to select by colour, but I still feel the colours are not 'spot on'. I am an Autumn and i find your autumn colours are often too vivid and not soft/warm enough. For example, I'd like to see more if a warm, burnt orange or rust (particularly for the winter season) and some less punchy greens (more like the turtle green). For example, within the cashmere scarves - I'd love to but one but the colours aren't quite right. Thank you.

Nancy Doyle on Dec 19, 2018 3:12 PM

I realize I may be too late to make the SS2019 cut; but please consider including going forwards, bringing back the slacks in the short length (for those of us with short legs!); and longer tops for longer torso's? Also; would love to see Kettlewell design a trenchcoat in fabulous colors?

Jennifer Furst on Dec 09, 2018 11:33 PM

Definitely putting in a vote for more V-neck and petite items! Also, as a Spring, I find that sometimes our colors look too much like a child's box of crayons. If there were some way to make them look more sophisticated? Not sure how, but you are the color experts!!! love kettlewell colors and quality!!!! keep up the great work!

Kettlewell Colours: Why not read this blog post

https://www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk/blog/jo/seasonal-palette-focus-spring

- this should help you with wearing colour as a Spring.

Tara George on Sep 28, 2018 5:38 PM

I would like the willow scarf in either ochre or sunshine yellow. Also some vest tops with a higher neck line as I find them too low cut. Please don’t discontinue Mellow Rose or a soft coral shade. There are very few pinks that suit us autumns.

Mrs Richardson on Sep 27, 2018 10:34 PM

Just to echo the requests for

- a short version of the lace camisole

- tops which are not so cut that you have to buy a camisole too

- Other colours for winters and not always emerald, sapphire and pink in all styles

- more "bottoms" in various colours so that I could make complete monocolouroutfits

- a cardigan in a v neck style

- a short cascade wrap in a white suitable for a winter type.

Many thanks, love wearing Kettlewell

Cathy on Sep 01, 2018 3:26 PM

I would love some better prints - the designs are often dowdy and on the dark side.

Nicola Davis on Aug 21, 2018 10:10 AM

It's fantastic that you're now offering XS but I've done a straw poll of my clients and a lot would like to see you extend the size range upwards as well.

Liz on Aug 20, 2018 11:32 AM

Please do more Mole for burnished winters!

Lisa Yaszek on Aug 12, 2018 12:52 PM

I love the color selections here! I'd like to second the request for some petite fitting items--if nothing else, it would be great if the Alexa jacket and some of your pants were offered in at least an XS, thanks!

Veronika H. on Aug 10, 2018 9:00 AM

I absolutely loved your turquoise for winters, this season please continue this colour.

Olwen on Aug 03, 2018 5:49 AM

Any chance of normal length camisoles in Duck Egg, Paradise, Primrose, and Hyacinth .... Pretty please!? Noticed the new range in the pinks which I love.

Rachel on Aug 02, 2018 10:10 PM

A fitted cotton polo shirt in a neat shape to contrast with A- line skirts, especially in a neutral ecru for springs and autumns. Ordinary t-shirts do nothing for me, I find a collar is so much more flattering.

Eileen on Jul 29, 2018 11:47 AM

I would love a selection of Dresses with fitted waists and A line skirts please in perhaps ninety five per cent cotton and the rest elastane please.

Anne Berns on Jul 27, 2018 4:19 AM

I also think that a special occasion dress for SS/19 in emerald turquoise would be stunning.

Anne Berns on Jul 27, 2018 4:02 AM

I think you do a wonderful job of selecting colors and I love your blogs. My suggestion: More magenta please!

Nancy S. on Jul 26, 2018 3:53 AM

I would love to see items in what we in the US call Cadet or Williamsburg blue -definitely a grayed blue. I would also love to see a grayed navy for Summers. I hope someday you will offer yardage for those of us who like to make our own clothes. Thanks.

Kettlewell Colours: If you Shop by Colour, you will see we do have colours which seem to be close to the ones you mentioned, they don't have the same names! French Blue and French Navy might be worth a look...

Marie Mckenniff on Jul 25, 2018 10:11 PM

Love th New xs tops. I'm a soft deep autumn and am always looking for deep teal, dark olive and terracotta items.

Stephanie on Jul 18, 2018 5:04 PM

Hi! have said it before but longer trouser lengths, please. I am 33.5" inside leg, so something in a 33-34" would be perfect.

Artist Helen on Jul 17, 2018 6:18 PM

It's interesting reading all the varied requests! Obviously Kettlewell has customers of all shapes, sizes, seasons (and sub-divisions), so difficult to please us all - and you do a wonderful job.

I suspect that some of us are no longer youthful and would prefer to cover our knees, so maybe a few dresses with midi lengths? The skirts are great - I live in them!

Gill on Jul 17, 2018 4:53 PM

I echo the not so low cut tops comment. I'm petite with a short body. Your tops are too long and too low cut for me. Your colours are lovely but often when I see a colour I would like (spring) it's only in a scarf or a cami, so more items in the colours you already have please!

Anna Steel on Jul 14, 2018 12:39 PM

I'd echo the sentiment of many Autumns. As a Blue Autumn, the Heliotrope tops I purchased are very clear - a bit too springy, they are beautiful but glow a ltitle too much. So creamier / chalkier please! Inky Purple Navy / French Navy has a lovely warmth to it, and more deep Teals, orangey reds & creamy corals - crustacean colours and vibrant moss / khaki would be great. If you wish to have a sample of an old top I'm looking to replace it is the perfect soft mid toned blue purple. Your antique cream Sara T- shirt was an amazing colour. More like that in a long / three quarter sleeve top would be brilliant. Love the quality of you loose viscose tops. Thank you

Alison on Jul 14, 2018 7:53 AM

Please could you make the v-neck and square neck tops not quite so wide or low cut? More aubergine would be great please.

Olwen on Jul 13, 2018 8:06 PM

V neck cardigans please! And ranges which mix .... A skirt in bluebell for example needs to have matching camisoles, top available please.

Also, a range of pastels for Cool Summers .... Not as pale as Icy, but not as bright as many that are currently on offer. Soft blues, lavender, mint.

CathL on Jul 13, 2018 1:50 PM

Would be great if we could have 'bottoms' ) and dresses in a variety of summer colours not just the usual suspect navy! The styles of skirts seem to be for very column type figures not hour glass? Would be good to have whole outfits in the colour combinations you suggest. I often find I like the suggestion but then can't find the variety of colours in the different types of clothes to try them out.

Maddie on Jul 10, 2018 12:43 PM

I would like to see a lizard grey for autumns and a rose Brown.

Also please may we have higher cut v necked tops.

Caroline on Jul 06, 2018 1:50 PM

Could you do the wrap dress in a slightly less girly print?! I'm pear shaped so it's the dress most likely to suit me, but the print is too much for me (natural classic) and I couldn't get away with it unless I was at a wedding! The other dresses are all more suited to people with a straight up-and-down shape. Other than that I think your summer offering this year was lovely.

C Morgan on Jul 05, 2018 2:22 PM

I would like some dresses in shorter lengths, I’ve never been able to buy any of your dresses as they’re not for petite ladies. On the subject of colour, more colours for winters please! It always seems to be sapphire, emerald and bright pink.

Annette on Jul 04, 2018 8:20 PM

Hi would love to find a skirt like your weekend skirt but SHORTER in happy colors, yellow, apple, poppy, azure.

Need also simple pants / treggings in camel, beige, kellygreen. Love also floral prints so i am looking forward to SS19.

Mary on Jul 04, 2018 7:47 AM

Agree with 'hate being an autumn'. The very dark colours overwhelm me.

Would love to find more blues and neutral greens.

Jane on Jul 02, 2018 2:23 PM

Sleeves, elbow or three quarters in length.

Polyester or cotton mix fabrics that slide under a jacket, and that are not clingy to the body.

Jackets that sit just below the hip.

Dresses cut on the cross.

Dresses that are below the knee, choice of length, & not always in the soft jersey material. It always clings To the body.

jayne on Jul 01, 2018 10:16 PM

Am hoping for lower necked t shirts and tops such as V and lower scoop and lots of green in Jackets especially mid cascade . Also bigger choice of colours in every style

Helene on Jul 01, 2018 9:12 PM

I am sultry winter and it is really hard for me to find my best colous in summer (apart from navy which can be easily found on the high street anyway). So I wouls like to see a summer T-shirt (scoop neck and cap sleves, no crew neck and no half sleeves please) in bordeaux, deep claret, cassis, deep damson, dark red, indigo and pine green. Thank you

Nina on Jul 01, 2018 3:38 AM

Please add a cooler magenta violet for a very cool winter. All your pinks, except festival fuchsia, are too warm for me. Please add more tees with high necklines(boat or crew), 3/4 sleeves and longer bodice. I like the cut of the Tasha top. Thank you.

Nina on Jun 30, 2018 4:01 PM

Please, make high neck 3/4 sleeves tees, like the Darcy top, in Festival Fuschia

Jane Hill on Jun 30, 2018 3:36 AM

I'd love to see some boat necks with three quarter sleeves and/or v necks or semi scoops in vanilla, terracotta/rusty colours. Also, I love the creamy yellow and white combination on Baroque buildings in Germany. Looking forward to seeing your next collection, you are my favourite clothes shop !

Anon on Jun 29, 2018 10:31 PM

Ice green please! I'd love to see better quality materials that don't crease so easily. Some smart jackets, tops (v neck or cowl), anything silk?

Diana McLean on Jun 29, 2018 8:00 PM

icy green in a tank? the color cyclamen in a top? rose beige in a tank?

Teresa Ahmet on Jun 29, 2018 2:16 PM

Hello, have posted to you elsewhere but thought I would make another plea here for shorter lengths on tops, skirts and trousers. Love the Weekender but 30” is longest I can wear, being a shorter person.

Barbara on Jun 28, 2018 8:18 PM

A few SS seasons ago there were some cotton mix tops in a colour very much like the current Bright Teal.I would love to see this sort of colour again. I also miss the Blue Jade colour.

Liz Tye on Jun 28, 2018 8:12 PM

As an Autumn, I would love to see more burnt orange, rust, chestnut and very dark but warm (no grey tones) browns. Also a deeper coral which is vibrant rather than vivid. I do love Kettlewell colours and if my budget allowed, I would buy more ..

Christina Jones on Jun 28, 2018 2:11 PM

I'd love some more 'berry' colours and subtle greens. Also more longer length tops (or a choice of lengths). Not tunics, just nice tops that comfortably cover the tummy area for tall ladies.

Mary on Jun 28, 2018 1:36 PM

I would like to see more colours for Deep Autumns.

Thank you for stocking a XS size, more colours in this size please.

Veronika Hirzel on Jun 28, 2018 10:01 AM

Dear Santa, I do realize it is quite an oxymoron, but I would love to have a sleeveless V top in cool orange (I am a Winter). I loved the Pleat Stripe Skirt this year and I would love to have it in black or navy as well. And I would like an ombre top going from purple to black. I hope it helps. With kind regards Veronika Hirzel

Mary Cozens on Jun 28, 2018 9:58 AM

please can we have more natural fibres - cotton, linen, silk and cashmere

Jacoba Gale on Jun 28, 2018 9:19 AM

Please bring back the cowl neck top with cropped 3/4 sleeves. I have this in red bought 2 years ago .I would have bought more but you discontinued it. It is so flattering. Firecracker would be a good colour to have it in... also, you do double layers on the fronts of your tops but actually a thicker or double layer on the back would also be good. Would show fewer lumps and bumps!

Thanks

Jacoba Gale (Mrs)

Janine Pretorius on Jun 28, 2018 8:59 AM

Work tops in Poppy red ( or red shades for spring palette)

Kobalt blue in toks, skiet, penta, dresses

Joy Burton on Jun 28, 2018 7:53 AM

Everyday T shirt in marine blue please. I wear the everyday t-shirt all the time the nky colours I liked were blush and white. It's higher quality than the usual slub tees on the high street and keeps its shape but is cut so it doesn't feel frumpy. I don't like traditional navy but the marine navy has a lovely edge to it and is much nicer than black. It goes brilliantly with blue denim. I wear the sara V a lot but would love a short sleeve for SS19! Or anything else in marine blue.....

Carolyn on Jun 27, 2018 11:14 PM

More blue Autumn colours please... and chestnut and dark chocolate. I don’t seem to suit oranges and yellows and most of the other colours look like they belong on my granny so I practically live in cream and beige. I hate being an Autumn 🙁

Jenni Ahokas on Jun 27, 2018 10:54 PM

I would like to see more toned down colors. I`m a soft , warm and deep Autumn and your bright Autumn colors even though pretty are too pure for me. So more soft, grayed hues.

I love greens and deep rusty orange and I would like to see those colors on your SS19. I like to wear tone on tone, for example olive green with deep olive. I would appreciate if you would offer more pieces in the same color but in different hues, tones and shades to make it possible to layer different pieces. You could even write a blog post about it.

I really value your colorful clothes, they are the foundation of my wardrobe.

Kate on Jun 27, 2018 10:32 PM

More colours for blue autumns, please please! Several of the 'shop by season' options throw up just the 'traditional' autumn shades and pastels, which I can't do. I really struggle to find suitable shades on the high st; they are too cold or too bright.

Hilary Henry on Jun 27, 2018 9:51 PM

I am an autumn but I prefer the turquoises and teals... Would love to see more of these colours on the next collection.

Jane Burton on Jun 27, 2018 8:34 PM

I'm glad you are looking at a wide range of coloure. I'm a Spring and a long-standing customer. I have a lot of your clothes and appreciate the quality and the, usually, good choice of colours. I have been really disappointed with this season's collection. The range of suitable colours for me has been poor. I love dressing in different tones of blue, but have not found anything to tempt me. I really don't suit some of the other Spring colours, like yellow or white/cream. Another issue is the lack of tops in cotton. I really can't wear Lycra any more, or tight fitting clothes. I bought four of your lovely long sleeve cosy t-shirts last year in azure and bright navy. They are great and I would buy more. What I want is the lovely simple, elegant clothes in colours I want to wear I have purchased from you in the past. This is the first time in all the years I have been a customer that I have not bought anything. I hope the autumn/winter collection is an improvement.

Ruth Marshall on Jun 27, 2018 7:22 PM

A wider range of soft neutral colours (in dresses, trousers and skirts as well as tops and jackets) please.

Lesley on Jun 27, 2018 5:43 PM

More subtle colours please,

Angie Westlake on Jun 27, 2018 5:34 PM

please could we have some softer autumn colours. i’m blonde and can’t wear the citrus autumn colours that the redheads can get away with. thanks.

Dorothy Loose on Jun 27, 2018 4:48 PM

I am a spring and will be 69 in December. I always loved the soft peaches,turquoise soft pink shades when I was in my 30’s now I find I look better in shades like watermelon, apple green, purple and royal blues. These seem to work better with the loss of skin colour we all encounter as we age.

Shirley on Jun 27, 2018 4:26 PM

I'd live to see more in Bluebell, the oerfect Summer blue.

Christine Hughes on Jun 27, 2018 4:11 PM

Some tops in a linen blend would be welcome. Your viscose/elastance is rather clingy. Silk and cotton knitwear would also please me. I will leave the colours to you; you do them brilliantly.

Lotus N Gates on Jun 27, 2018 3:49 PM

I like more Modal Fabric at least 90% with the rest Elastane. I'd like to see Colors in the Family of Puple matched with colors in the Family of Pink, Purple, Emerald Green or Yellow. Also in the Family of blue with colors in the family of Green. A lot of Shades of Beige in Tanks with jackets in Blue, Black, Burgundy, Red, Shades of Pink.Thank you for asking! - Lotus N Gates of New York, USA.

Glenda Steel on Jun 27, 2018 3:46 PM

Please could we have some greys!!!!!!! Everything from soft palest silver to charcoal!

Corry on Jun 27, 2018 2:07 PM

Can we have a plain cotton tee in Bluebell blue please

Dorothy Smith on Jun 27, 2018 1:56 PM

As an autumn I would love a very dark teal as worn in the drama the Split

Vicky Grindle on Jun 27, 2018 1:52 PM

Love cotton modal tops and t shirts with more detail to add intersest? Like to see return of ‘oxford blue’ I have a top in this colour with notch at neckline and 3/4 sleeves with little notch and wear it often. Also t shirts with v at back and front with a little gather makes them far more interesting. Square neck with lots gathers down front is an old favourite too!

Jo lander on Jun 27, 2018 1:44 PM

I am and I bought an emerald green jumper which is super with navy and black plus other colours please why don't we see more. When I was going safe green and lilac were in.why not consult old colour trends with view to bringing them back. ( try 50,s to 70,s

Helen on Jun 27, 2018 1:42 PM

I would love prints that are specifically summer - not a mix of more than 1 season. Thank you 😊

Farah Govani on Jun 27, 2018 1:37 PM

Hi, I would so love to have some items in Ice Green. I'm a Burnished Winter, and Ice Green is my only WOW ice colour.

Sharelle on Jun 27, 2018 1:34 PM

More 100% cotton please - and longer trousers for tall girls! Usually I need a 34 inside leg.....

Jayne smith on Jun 27, 2018 1:24 PM

I would love a bright autumn green such as peridot, leaf or tree top in mid cascade jackets as there is nothing and in many more styles.

Sarah McRobert on Jun 27, 2018 1:23 PM

I’d love to see the darkest Bitter Chocolate in essentials such as trousers for ageing Winters for whom black can be very draining! In fact a brown for every season to dilute the business uniform of black & navy!

Jo Haley on Jun 27, 2018 1:11 PM

oh wow...this sounds and looks so very exciting. I have been an Image Consultant for 13 years on an adhoc basis and have just gone full time with it now.....I recommend all my clients to Kettlewell and love you guys!

I would love to come down one day and meet you/the team to see how you put this altogether..I am sure that this wouldnt be possible but just in case. I fab it would be to see another side to my colour world. (I am a member of the Federation of Image Professionals and have also achieved Master Status and so accredited by City & Guilds too. Would so love to hear back from you. Best Jo

Rita on Jun 27, 2018 1:11 PM

Please bring out more tops (v-neck) in mineral green, and please, please add longer length trousers to your range. With my 34” inseam all your trousers are too short. I love the blogs with colour combinations and styling tips! Thanks!

Avia Machin on Jun 27, 2018 1:07 PM

I loved the style you discontinued years ago. It was a v-neck with a piece of matching fabric holding down the point of the vee, creating a ruched effect. I still have the two I bought in 2002!! Please bring this style soon!

Artist Helen on Jun 27, 2018 1:07 PM

Glad to hear about the icy blues. I’m a Winter and am really enjoying the icy pastels for summer so more would be great. A slightly bluer Ice Pink maybe? Ice Lavender and the citrus shades are brilliant so more like this, please.

Judy Burton on Jun 27, 2018 12:59 PM

It would be lovely to see some patterns in the new collection, preferably not flowers, perhaps some abstract shapes?

Karan Tuxford on Jun 27, 2018 12:34 PM

Just had colours done so would like to see soft and cool colours - eau de nil, mint, cocoa, taupe and periwinkle.

Lindsey J Poyser on Jun 27, 2018 12:33 PM

Please please could you include a deep grey for autumns - so difficult to find and some of us blue/dark/deep autumns need lovely deeper colours in our wardrobes . Many thanks.

Barbara Goddard on Jun 27, 2018 12:27 PM

Please design T shirts that are wider on the hips (pear shapes)

Anita Abram on Jun 27, 2018 12:15 PM

I have just bought items in beautiful colours for my daughter and granddaughter as well as myself. It would be good to see some colour selections for grey hair and maybe an older model in your catalogue. Older women are definitely moving away from black and navy and the 'grey pound' is a growing market!

Sarah Williamson on Jun 27, 2018 12:06 PM

Please can we have some more flattering styles and fabrics

Viscose, silks and pencil skirts please!

Roberta Crawley on Jun 27, 2018 11:07 AM

Hi, I love the whole Kettlewell collection! I’m an Autumn, and it’s really difficult to find the ‘smoky’ colours in the summer, that aren’t awful baggy, multi-pocketed safari wear! I’m thinking colours like olive, tobacco, dark rust..I’d love elegant dresses in these colours, thank you in anticipation!

LORRAINE COUSINS on Jun 27, 2018 10:34 AM

I love the great choice of colours. Please could you do a petite fit suitable for 5ft 3" and under. I know other people have also asked for this. Thank You